### Dave St. Peter Steps Down as Minnesota Twins President After 34 Years

After 34 years of dedicated service, Dave St. Peter, the Minnesota Twins' club president since 2002, announced his decision to transition into an advisory role early next year. St. Peter broke the news to Twins employees on Tuesday morning, marking the end of an era for the team. His departure sets off a series of changes within the organization's leadership that sees Derek Falvey, previously president of baseball operations, elevated to St. Peter's role, and Jeremy Zoll stepping in as the new general manager.

St. Peter's journey with the Twins began humbly in 1990 when he joined the team as a game-day intern. Just a few months later, he accepted, somewhat reluctantly, a full-time position managing the club's pro shop in Richfield, Minnesota. His commitment and skills soon saw him climb the ranks, eventually earning him the role of president in November 2002. One of his notable achievements during his tenure was the approval and opening of Target Field in 2010, a milestone that helped transform the Twins into a competitive force with nine American League Central titles and ten postseason appearances.

The timing of St. Peter's departure is influenced by several factors, including the need to better prioritize his time, the forthcoming sale of the team, and the readiness of Falvey to take on greater responsibilities. Despite stepping down, St. Peter will continue to be involved, particularly in the ongoing sale process, and will serve as an advisor to Falvey.

His decision comes during a transformative offseason for the Twins. Following a failure to make the playoffs, the team mutually parted ways with GM Thad Levine, dismissed several coaches, and announced the Pohlad family's exploration of selling the club after 40 years of ownership. Additionally, Major League Baseball is set to take over the team's television and streaming broadcasts.

Falvey, who was hired by St. Peter in September 2016, has played a significant role in modernizing the club's baseball operations and has also gained experience in the business side of the operations. With St. Peter's endorsement, Falvey has participated in various operational meetings, preparing him for his new role overseeing both baseball and business affairs.

As Falvey steps up, Jeremy Zoll, who joined the Twins in October 2017 to manage the farm system, will take over as the general manager. Zoll has been instrumental in player acquisitions and development and has fostered strong relationships within the organization. His previous experience as assistant GM since November 2019, particularly in negotiating key trades and maintaining a consistent presence in the clubhouse, positions him well for his new role.

St. Peter, reflecting on his years with the Twins, expressed pride in his accomplishments, particularly his efforts during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic and the social unrest following George Floyd's death. His ability to guide the team through these turbulent periods showcases his leadership and dedication to the organization.

As St. Peter prepares to pass the torch, he leaves behind a legacy of resilience and growth. Under his leadership, the Twins have flourished, growing their staff from around 65 to 400 employees and drawing record numbers of fans to Target Field. Through his journey from a game-day intern to the president, St. Peter's story is a testament to hard work and opportunity.